SNBT Community Leadership Award Honors John Hofer

March 11, 2026

We are proud to announce that John Hofer has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Community Leadership Award, recognizing his decades of exceptional service, vision, and commitment to the Marinette and Menominee area. Now in its seventh year, this award is presented annually to an individual, business, or nonprofit that exemplifies our core value of community leadership.

“John’s impact on our region is both deep and far‑reaching,” said Greg Salmen, SNBT President & CEO. “His leadership is thoughtful, his passion is unmistakable, and the number of initiatives he has strengthened, or sparked into existence, is truly extraordinary. Our community is better because of him.”

Hofer currently serves as the Executive Director of the Provident Health Foundation, where his leadership has helped expand health and wellness initiatives across Marinette and Menominee counties. Under his guidance, Provident has invested in critical programs ranging from youth substance-use prevention to community health assessments and collaborative projects that strengthen the wellbeing of local families.

Beyond his role with the Foundation, Hofer’s dedication to the community spans decades. His service includes long‑standing involvement with the M&M Area Chamber of Commerce, support for countless nonprofit organizations, and early contributions made during his years in local journalism, work that helped amplify community voices and local stories.

“John has a remarkable gift for bringing people together,” Salmen said. “Whether he’s mentoring emerging leaders, championing charitable causes, or rallying volunteers, he approaches every effort with humility, creativity, and a genuine desire to make life better for the people who live here.”

Known for his warmth, humor, and famously good‑natured practical jokes, Hofer is equally recognized for his unofficial roles, which includes his enthusiastic stints as an honorary auctioneer at local fundraisers. As Salmen joked, “John can convince people to pay twice as much for an item and make them feel excited about it. He brings joy to the work, and people naturally follow his lead.”

Hofer’s commitment to community also extends deeply into his personal life. Together with his family, he has supported countless local events, from volunteering at the Waterfront Festival to participating in long‑held family traditions such as the beloved Hofer Family Ping Pong Tournament, now more than 50 years strong.

In recognition of his outstanding service, we presented him with a commemorative award - a miniature replica of the sculpture “Eye of the Storm”, created by local artist Rusty Wolfe and displayed prominently at our Marinette office.

“John embodies what this award stands for,” Salmen added. “His leadership has strengthened organizations, his mentorship has shaped future leaders, and his vision has improved countless lives. We are honored to recognize his remarkable contributions.”